Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
ConfuciusRead
An angry man is full of poison.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anger can corrupt a person's mind and character. It negatively impacts their well-being and relationships.
This quote by Confucius highlights the detrimental effects of anger on a person's mental state and overall life. When someone harbors anger, it can lead to toxic thoughts and behaviors, much like poison that infects and harms. The quote serves as a reminder to manage our emotions and strive for a calm demeanor, as unruly anger can tarnish both our character and our interactions with others.
Themes
AngerPoisonWisdomEmotionsMental Health
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about emotional intelligence, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of managing anger.
More from Confucius
All quotes βEarnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.
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When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
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Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
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The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
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Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
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